About Abila
Abila is a captivating sloping reef dive site located in Alor, a region celebrated for its pristine coral and rich marine biodiversity. Situated within the Alor Islands Marine Park, this area benefits from nutrient-rich currents, which create a vibrant ecosystem supporting diverse marine life. The site is known for its exquisite topography and is listed among Alor's many unique underwater landscapes. As a sloping reef, Abila offers a gradual descent, making it accessible for a range of divers. The underwater environment features healthy coral gardens and an abundance of reef fish. While specific depth bands for Abila are not detailed, similar reef dives in Alor can reach significant depths, often between 39-40 meters. The area's diverse marine life ensures frequent encounters with various species. Diving at Abila, like many sites in Alor, requires awareness of currents, which can be unpredictable. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 20 meters and sometimes reaching over 40 meters. The site is suitable for beginners, offering a rewarding experience of Alor's underwater beauty.
Highlights
Vibrant sloping reefPristine coral gardensRich marine biodiversityExquisite underwater topographyGood visibility
Best Season
The optimal time for diving in Alor, including Abila, is from March to December. This period offers stable conditions for exploring the underwater environment, although diving is possible year-round. Stronger currents might be encountered in October and November.
Dive site facts: Abila
- Current
- Mild
- Entry
- Liveaboard only
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- Reef, Reef
- Region / port
- Alor
- Coordinates
- 8.2045° S, 124.3995° E
Conditions & Currents
Currents at Alor dive sites, including Abila, are often unpredictable and can range from mild to strong, necessitating careful briefing and readiness for change on site. Divers should be prepared for variable conditions and it is advisable to carry an SMB. The Pantar Strait, where many Alor sites are located, experiences significant water flow from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, which contributes to the dynamic currents. Visibility is typically excellent, usually over 20 meters and sometimes exceeding 40 meters, ensuring clear views of the sloping reef. Thermoclines are present in Alor waters, with temperatures around 27-28°C but occasionally dropping to 24-25°C, especially in the southern areas. Due to potentially strong currents and varying conditions, divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques.
Why dive Abila from a liveaboard?
Abila is one of Alor's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Abila on their Alor itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Abila
These liveaboards may visit Abila on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Naga Biru
Indonesia
12 guests40 m
$273/day
Jaya
Indonesia
14 guests23 m
$280/day
Komodo Aggressor
Komodo, Indonesia
16 guests29 m
$312/day
Blue Manta
Indonesia
20 guests45 m
$488/day
Gaia Love
Alor
20 guests
$554/day
Emperor Raja Laut
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
12 guests31 m
$423/day
Coralia
Indonesia
16 guests48 m
$547/day
Ilike
Indonesia
16 guests40 m
$298/day
Mermaid I
Alor
15 guests28 m
$371/day
Mutiara Laut
Indonesia
14 guests46 m
$741/day
Neptune One
Indonesia
16 guests38 m
$284/day
Dewi Nusantara
Indonesia
18 guests57 m
$493/day
Dive sites similar to Abila
Same character, same waters — six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes — then pick the site that fits your trip best.
Schools Out
Alor
Schools Out in Alor offers divers an exceptional encounter with healthy coral reefs and a rich variety of marine species.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 20–30 m
- Theme
- Reef
Pasir Merah
Alor
Pasir Merah, or Red Sand, is a distinctive dive site situated north of Pura Island in the Alor Archipelago, East Nusa Tenggara.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 5–35 m
- Theme
- Muck diving / Reef
Rusa Pinnacle
Alor
Rusa Pinnacle is a challenging yet highly rewarding dive site situated in the Alor archipelago, part of Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 6–30 m
- Theme
- Reef
Goa Wolang
Alor
Goa Wolang, also known as Wolang Cave, is a distinctive dive site located in South Alor, renowned for its intriguing topography and diverse marine life.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Dayboat
- Depth
- 5–30 m
- Theme
- Cavern / Wall
La Petite Kepa
Alor
La Petite Kepa refers to both a renowned dive site and the associated dive resort located on Kepa Island, within the Alor Archipelago in Indonesia.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Shore / dayboat
- Depth
- 5–40 m
- Theme
- Reef
Tanjung Lusitobo
Alor
Tanjung Lusitobo is a dynamic dive site in Alor, celebrated for its rich biodiversity and vibrant underwater topography.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 5–30 m
- Theme
- Reef